Developers have given a new lease of life to a townhouse in Woodstock which now boasts a perfect balance of ancient and modern design.

The work on 70 Oxford Street also unearthed a time capsule which shows that builders carrying out improvements in the 1960s stopped work to carry out funeral duties for the burial of Sir Winston Churchill former prime minister.

The renovation was carried out by Jonathan Abbs-Woodd and Chris Liversedge, pictured top right, of Trinity Properties.

Mr Abbs-Woodd said: “The property was overdue for a new lease of life and we wanted to carry out a major renovation while retaining the character of the home.

“We have added a modern ground-floor extension of about 300 sq ft providing a kitchen/dining and family living space. The extension has a wall of glass windows and doors which open on to the garden which has views across to the fields and beyond.”

He added: “The overall finish comprises of a blend of period architecture and materials such as elm and oak beams, original shutters and sash windows and contemporary design with glass balustrades and stainless-steel door furniture.”

During the stripping out of the interiors, two employees discovered a tightly wrapped package among the debris underneath a bath. The package revealed a piece of plasterboard with a note which had an historical significance Mr Abbs-Woodd said: “It was left by the previous builders. It said the bathroom was built in January and February 1965 during which time work was stopped to dig the grave and attend the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.”

The funeral duties involved Albert Jerrams and his sons Albert, Dennis and Phillip, local builders and funeral directors. The note said George Freeman, the butcher and Edmund Gacowski were also involved in the work.

Mr Abbs-Woodd added: “The plasterboard will be framed and handed onto the new owners.”.

Jane Honey, of the Woodstock office of Breckon and Breckon, said: “The house benefits from being in the heart of Woodstock and has stunning views across the Glyme Valley.

“The accommodation includes an entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, study/cellar, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is also parking for up to four cars.”

Number 70 Oxford Street has a guide price of £650,000. For more details, call Breckon & Breckon on 01993 811881, or Hamptons International on 01865 512332.